Rx&D Welcomes Senate Committee Report on Clinical Trials in Canada

OTTAWA, Nov. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical
Companies (Rx&D) welcomes the Senate Standing Committee on Social
Affairs, Science and Technology's report on clinical trials in Canada.
Amongst its findings, the report highlights issues with Canada's
approach to intellectual property protection, ethics review boards and
with the time currently required to set up a clinical trial in Canada.

"We invest over $750 million every year in clinical trials, and
recognize that clinical trials are an essential part of a modern
healthcare system and knowledge-based economy. Last year, we co-hosted
the first ever National Clinical Trials Summit and began to address the
very issues to which the Committee report speaks," said Russell
Williams, President of Rx&D. "By overcoming operational barriers and
inefficiencies, Canada can again be in a great position to attract more
clinical trials which is critically important to Canadian patients."

"Senator Kelvin Ogilvie is a true champion for research in Canada and
has worked tirelessly to help create an environment to make Canada a
premier country for conducting clinical trials. He understands the need
to improve our infrastructure, to attract and retain the best talent
and to support excellence in medical research," added Mr. Williams. "We
welcome the Senate Committee's recommendations and are working
collaboratively with our partners to build a more sustainable
healthcare system to better leverage our scientific excellence and
robust economy, and to strengthen Canada's position in the world."

Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical
companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the
discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community
invests more than $1 billion in research and development each year to
fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical
Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with
governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly
ethical manner.